Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the, Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. Wolf Creek has gained a reputation all throughout Colorado as one of the best ski resorts to visit for anyone looking to escape crowds and long lift lines, and it also boasts some of the highest seasonal accumulations of snowpack out of any Colorado resorts, depending on the year. What are the travel restrictions in Durango? In fact, winter weather is often the blame for the majority of delays and crashes. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. If you drove there from Albuquerque it would take you about half as long. Dunes, not to be missed with children. Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. It is the route CasaAzul mentioned. Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. This option is best to keep in mind for the rafting season of May through August when the mountain snowmelt levels are in their prime. While skiers and riders will often go to great lengths to get to the mountains on a powder day, its important to drive carefully along this steep and winding alpine road. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. The alternate route out of Denver and straight down I-25 South is about 385 miles in total distance and will take drivers closer to six and a half hours. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. Having a wonderful time here. Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. The Million Dollar Highway is just a small portion of the 236-mile San Juan Skyway, itself a section of U.S. Highway 550, which runs 305 miles from Bernalillo, New Mexico, to Montrose, Colorado . The surrounding area is also brimming with National Forest areas and hiking trails with dispersed camping and car camping options in good supply, so this is a good area to consider when thinking about spending a night on the road in the mild weather of late spring, summer, and early fall. I-70 is a major east-west Interstate highway in the United States that runs from Maryland through Colorado into Utah, stretching for 2,151 miles. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75869024', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver Airport and we are supposed to go to Durango by car. Colorado, United States. As far as rafting day trips go, it doesnt get much easier or more fun than this! This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. Use this list as a springboard to get ideas for stops ranging from national parks and monuments to natural hot springs and quirky tourist attractions that youll find along the way. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Head out of town along US-160 E for 102 miles until you reach South Fork. drive for about 54 minutes. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? With a route that passes south on US Highway 285 through Pike-San Isabel National Forest and continues down to the Great Sand Dunes and the Rio Grande headwaters, the Denver to Durango drive is one of southern Colorados most scenic. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. It is home to Fort Lewis College. Not quite what youre looking for? I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. This is the route Google Maps will give you. If you don't have time to board the train, it's worth it to at least pay a visit to the railroad museum in Durango. At Red Rocks you can catch concerts, stand-up comedy shows, film screenings, and, in the mornings, you can even join a yoga class. Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat, or Estes Park for summer? It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A $15 Gratuity is included in all pricing above. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. From South Fork and US 160, take a right-hand turn onto US 149, also known as the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, for an unforgettable scenic drive to the town of Creede near the headwaters of the Rio Grande. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. Head west on US-50 W for 60 miles, and then turn right onto CO-135 N which will take you to Crested Butte after 27 miles. The small roadside town of South Fork marks a point of transition where the Rio Grande River begins to shift from its high alpine origins in National Forest land and flow down toward flatter lands in New Mexico and beyond. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. Traffic congestion due to rush hour and ongoing construction is normally expected for this particular stretch of the highway. Durango to Denver drive driving / 2 days / no pets / no RV Durango to Denver road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Durango to Denver. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. One of the last places to stop between Denver and Durango is Chimney Rock National Monument, which features the ancient remains of a native Pueblo settlement dating back 1,000 years. Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? The canyon walls are so steep that at least some of the canyon is always engulfed in shadow during the day, which is how the Black Canyon got its name. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. Success! Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. Private Vacation Rental There are a number of great properties to choose from in Salida such as this beautiful secluded log cabin if youre looking for a peaceful getaway. The steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. I took a GPS with me to attach in the rental car. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13124761', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver-Pagosa Springs via Colorado Springs and Walsenburg on I25 and us160 via Great Sand Dunes NP and Wolf Creek pass to Pagosa Springs. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. The small town of Bailey is about 25 minutes from Tiny Town at the bottom of a steep incline just as 285 bends and begins to trace a path along the North Fork of the South Platte River. Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. Denver airport - 407 miles - about 7 hours drive depending on weather conditions Albuquerque airport - 244 miles - about 4:10 hours depending on weather conditions There are Greyhound buses that travel between the city of Albuquerque and Durango, but once again self-drive will be the easiest way to get there. Can I get to Rocky Mountain National Park without a car? The drive from Denver to Durango via 285 South covers about 337 miles and usually takes just over six hours, give or take some time depending on traffic and weather conditions. He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains. We extended it to a full loop: Boulder Canyon Drive up to Nederland, Highway 72 from Nederland to Highway 7 just south of Rocky Mountain National Park, Highway 7 back over to Highway 36, and then back down to Boulder. From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. Click here to see their availability, Siesta Motel If youre looking for some more budget-friendly accommodation options, then this motel is a geat choice. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. But. It ends in Durango, Colorado. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . Yep, its that simple. All deals One way Roundtrip Tue, Mar 21 DEN Denver DRO Durango $195 One way just found Click here to browse other private rentals. Read on for more about how best to plan for a trip from Denver to Durango with some opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and sightseeing along the way. If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. Talk about a flexible experience! Rome2rio makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. Grand Junction To Dinosaur That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Its a stop with good lodging options and plenty of services, and there are also two great options for wine and beer tasting, respectively, in Aspen Peak Cellars and Mad Jacks Mountain Brewery. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles. If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. North Americas largest sandbox contains some 5 billion cubic meters of sand and stands out against the striking backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. If youre passing through outside of ski season, Monarch is still worth a stop thanks to the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway thats open from May through the fall. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. Your best and most scenic route from Denver to Durango tends to be 285 South, though you could also choose to go straight south from Denver on Interstate 25. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Tue, Jul 25. 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic section of the US-550 highway which runs north to south. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. The route has an elevation gain of 9,000 ft and ascends through five climate zones to the 14,264-ft summit of Mount Evans. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. The road distance is 537.8 km. Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. Just a stones throw off 285 South before you reach the town of Del Norte on the Denver to Durango drive, Penitente Canyon offers scenic views and chances to hike, rock climb, and bike through the towering canyon walls. From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. You know what? Durango, Colorado 81301 The national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango is 800-232-4636. It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Durango is in southwest Colorado. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. If youre looking to stretch your legs and get a good hike in while in Creede, the locals recommend checking out the Up and Over trail. Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista Thats not too surprising we suppose as Coloradans tend to ski just about anything. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! Thank you :) Colorado State Patrol is increasing its watch along the Western Slope, where it says the roads have become the most dangerous place to drive in Colorado during July. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. You have permission to edit this article. As you reach the classic mountain town of Salida and the nearby area, the Arkansas River is the main artery for a lot of watersports recreation, from fly fishing and whitewater rafting to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Click here to browse other private rentals. Travel in the winter months can be nerve-wracking along Red Mountain Pass. This nationally-protected area consists of more than 30 square miles of massive dunes and is a must-stop for travelers nearing the latter portion of their Denver to Durango road trip. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. and Great Sand. This canyon has high walls and granite cliffs that have been carved out by the slow grind of time and the erosion forces of the Arkansas River. 172. Thank you :) For instance, this beautiful treehouse home with a hot tub is a great choice. Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75870199', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Durango so I hope you aren't planning to drive it on the same day you arrive. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. Head out of Creede the way you came in along CO-149 S for 22 miles and then make a left onto US-160 E for 17 miles. Lots of good food in Durango. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. Along the way, possibly stop in Fairplay, see a reconstructed mining town called South Park City. Oh well. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. Have any questions about any of these stops?